Bmw

Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Bmw shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Bmw offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Bmw at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Bmw? Wrong! If the Bmw is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Bmw then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Bmw? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Bmw and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Bmw wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Bmw then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Bmw site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Bmw, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Bmw, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

{{Infobox_Company |company_name = Bayerische Motoren Werke AG | company_nickname = (Bavarian Motor Works) | company_logo = ] | company_type = [Aktiengesellschaft| slogan = [Germany: Freude am Fahren
[United Kingdom: The Ultimate Driving Machine
United States: The Ultimate Driving Machine |foundation = 1916 | location_city = {{flagicon|GER--> [Munich | location_country = [Germany | key_people = {{flagicon|GER--> Dr. [Norbert Reithofer, Chairman and CEO| num_employees = 107,079 (2007)| industry = [Automobile| products = [Automobiles
[Motorcycles| revenue = {{profit--> €49 [1000000000 (number) (2006)| subsid = [MINI (BMW)
[Rolls-Royce Motor Cars| homepage = http://www.bmw.com/ www.bmw.com -->

in Munich, Germany.

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), is an independent Germany List of German companies and manufacturer of automobiles and BMW motorcycles. BMW is the parent company of the MINI (BMW) and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars car brands. It is also one of the leading German car manufacturers.

History BMW was officially founded as a public company in 1922, but traces its origins to the pioneering days of Germany aviation all the way back to 1913. Two of these pioneering men, Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, are credited by BMW as the "founding fathers". However, BMW owes its actual founding by three men- Josef Popp, Max Friz, and Camillo Castiglioni. These men brought BMW through many turbulent times in the company's early life, as well as taking the company public in 1922 to form BMW AG.Beginning with aircraft engines, BMW AG produced a variety of products in its early years, eventually moving to motorcycle production in 1923 and automobiles in 1929. The circular blue and white BMW logo, which has not changed throughout the companies history, does not in fact symbolize a spinning propeller. The BMW Trademark was in fact derived directly from the logo of the predecessor company Rapp Motorenwerke.

Motorcycles BMW started building motorcycle engines and then motorcycles after WWI. Their first notable motorcycle, the "R32" came in 1923. These had a "flat-twin" engine, in which an air-cooled cylinder protrudes into the air-fllow from each side of the machine. Other than a few post-war singles (basically to the same pattern), all their motorcycles had used this distinctive, unusual (but well-regarded) layout until the early 1980s. Many BMWs are still produced to this pattern, which is designated the "R series".

During World War II BMW produced the BMW R75 motorcycle with a sidecar attached. Unusually, the sidecar's wheel was also driven. Combined with a lockable differential (mechanics), this made the vehicle very capable off-road, an equivalent in many ways to the Willys MB.

In 1983 came the "K Series" (affectionately known as "The Flying Brick"), still shaft drive but now water cooled and with either 3 or 4 cylinders mounted in a straight line from front to back. Shortly after, BMW also started making the chain-driven F and G series with single and parallel twin Rotax engines.

BMW motorcycles have a range of models that give an off-road, sporty or relaxed and comfortable ride.

In the early 1990s, BMW updated the Airhead (motorcycle) boxer engine which became known as the Oilhead. In 2002, the Oilhead engine had two spark plugs per cylinder. In 2004 it added a built-in balance shaft, an increased capacity to 1170 cc and enhanced performance to 100 hp (75 kW) for the BMW GS, compared to 85 hp (63 kW) of the previous R1150GS. More powerful variants of the oilhead and hexhead engines are available in the R1100S and R1200S, producing and , respectively. also bow

In 2004, BMW introduced the new K1200S Sports Bike which marked a departure for BMW. It is both powerful (the engine is a unit derived from the company's work with the Williams F1 team) and significantly lighter than previous K models. It was BMW's latest attempt to keep up with the pace of development of sports machines from the likes of Honda, Kawasaki motorcycles, Yamaha, and Suzuki. Innovations include a unique electronically adjustable front and rear suspension, and a Hossack-type front fork BMW calls Duolever.

BMW was one of the earliest manufacturers to offer anti-lock braking system on production motorcycles starting in the late 1980s. The generation of anti-lock brakes available on the 2006 and later BMW motorcycles pave the way for the introduction of sophisticated electronic stability control, or anti-skid technology - a first for production motorcycles - later in the 2007 model year.

BMW has always been an innovator in motorcycle suspension design, taking up telescopic front suspension long before most other manufacturers. Then, when other makers caught up, they switched to Earles Forke, front suspension by swinging fork (1955 to 1969). Most modern BMWs are truly rear swingarm, single sided at the back (cf the regular swinging fork usually, and wrongly, called swinging arm).

Some BMWs started using yet another trademark front suspension design, the Telelever, in the early 1990s. Like the Earles Fork, the Telelever largely obviates dive under braking.

Motorcycle Clubs Fanfare of the BMW motorcycle has invoked the interest in clubs, or groups of people who share the same passion for their Bavarian bikes. The two largest BMW motorcycle clubs in the world are headquartered in the United States. They are the BMW Riders Association (BMW RA) and the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America (BMW MOA).

Automobiles Current The current BMW model lineup is split into what is referred to as "Series", traditionally identified by a single digit - e.g. the 3 Series.

In 2004 BMW announced plans to make odd-numbered series saloon/sedan and estate car/wagon models (BMW calls its estates/wagons Touring models), while even-numbered series will be two-door coupés and cabriolets. This convention started informally in 1976 with the introduction of the BMW 6 Series and later continued in 1989 with the BMW 8 Series, but died off when the latter was discontinued in 1999. This practice was revived as the BMW Z4 replaced the aging BMW Z3 roadster in 2003 and continues as the new BMW 6 Series augments the existing BMW 5 Series.

1 Series The 1 Series was launched in Fall 2004 and a 3-Door that was launched in July 2007 on the BMW International website. Because it is the only rear wheel drive vehicle in its class, it is considered the heir apparent to the original 2002 sport sedan from the 1960s. A Coupé has been announced for late 2007, and there are concepts for a convertible. U.S. introduction for the 1 series is expected in model year 2008 as a coupé and convertible, in the 128i and the 135i. The 135i is slated to receive the twin turbo 6 cylinder engine from the 3 series. The 1 series pricing fits neatly between MINI and the current E90 3-series.

3 Series The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured since model year 1975. The E90 is the 5th generation 3 series. Available from model year 2006 to present, it is offered as the sport sedan(E90), sport wagon(E91), sport coupe(E92), and sport coupe convertible(E93). The E90 series is completely re-engineered from the E46, including changes to engine choices, transmission, the passenger compartment comfort, suspension (vehicle) technology, as well as a host of High-Tech features and options.

The 3 series is not only one of BMW's most important models, it also accounts for a majority of worldwide sales.

Image:BMW 3-Series converible DC.jpg|2007 3-Series ConvertibleImage:2007-BMW-335i-coupe.jpg|2007 3-Series CoupeImage:BMW E90 Touring.jpg|2006 3-Series TouringImage:3er BMW Sport E46.jpg|BMW E46 Generation with ZHP Performance Package

5 Series A mid-size car luxury car / executive car. For model year 2008, BMW has revised the 5 series with a slightly redesigned interior, subtle exterior details, and new motor options. The motors offered are BMW's N52 and N54 inline 6-cylinder motors, as well as Diesel engine and V8 options.

The BMW 5 series has been one of BMW's "experimenal" cars, in which they can explore newer ideas. They have inserted new technologies and new ideas into this model that may have seemed radical for its time. One such example of this "testing" approach is the new headlight design. These types of changes to the 5 Series have allowed BMW to assess the reaction of consumers to their new designs before expanding the changes to other model series. Consequently, it has at times led people to question BMW's approach to design.

The BMW M5 is the motorsport division's version of the 5 Series. The new M5 (built on the E60 5 series chassis) is powered by a Formula One-inspired V10 engine, producing and is mated with a 7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) transmission, which is capable of a delimited top speed of about 330 km/h (production variants are restricted to 250 km/h, or 155 mph). BMW has also recently added a 6-speed manual transmission for newer 2007 models. The colour palette differs from its more modest 5 Series siblings.

Image:BMW Series5 silver vl.jpg|2005 5 Series with M Sport PackageImage:BMW 525 dt.JPG|2007 5-Series Touring with M Sport PackageImage:BMW M5 (E60) silver vr.jpg|2007 BMW M5Image:BMW M5.jpg|E39 BMW M5 (previous generation)

6 Series The 6 Series is BMW's grand touring Luxury vehicle sport coupé. Currently available as the 650i in coupé and coupé convertible, the 6 series returned in 2004, after a 15 year absence from BMW's model lineup.

Although many spy photos were seen with the 6-Series having a half-life update, like the BMW 5 Series, BMW released the updated 6-Series in July 2007. It is unknown when the M6 coupe & cabriolet update versions will be released, however both are expected soon.

BMW M6: A high performance version of the 6 Series. Developed by BMW's M Division, it is powered by the same 5.0 L V10 engine seen in the BMW M5. It is currently available in Europe, North America and Australia.

Image:Bmw645ci.JPG|2004 6 Series Convertible(645i)Image:BMW Series6 black vl.jpg|6 Series Coupe (650i)Image:BMW 645 E64 side.jpg|6 Series Convertible (645i)Image:BMW Series6 silver h.jpg|6 Series Coupe (645i)

7 Series BMW's full-size car flagship executive sedan. Typically, BMW introduces much of their innovations first in the vaunted 7 series. It has been deemed a "sports car at the helm and a limousine in the rear". Numerous landmark and breakthrough technologies for the entire automotive industry debut on the 7 series. For example, the groundbreaking and controversial iDrive, or the world's first Hydrogen powered production vehicle, have all debuted in the 7 series. The 7-Series Hydrogen, the world’s first luxury performance sedan with hydrogen drive, it runs on the most plentiful element in the world and emits virtually nothing but water vapor. And because the infrastructure for refueling a hydrogen internal combustion engine is not yet complete, the V12 engine also runs on gasoline, enabled via a push button system. Numerous engines power the 7 series worldwide. BMW offers Diesel engine, V8 and V12 motors, as well as the Alpina tuned supercharged V8. Additionally, the 760Li is also made in a bulletproof version.

X3 BMW's second SUV debuted in 2004 (called SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle by BMW) and is based on the E46 3 Series layout within, but without, it is quite unique. For 2007, the X3 is powered by the N52 inline 6 cylinder engine that debuted with the 2006 E90 3 Series. The X3 is a more functionally oriented vehicle that American buyers seem to prefer over a wagon; it is BMW's answer to the growing crossover segment of the market. It has performed quite well in sales, but in 2007 a face lift was given to the X3, including an X-drive update, suspension adjustments, an engine upgrade, and aesthetics inside and out.

Marketed in Europe as an off-roader, it benefits from an advanced all-wheel drive system. This, combined with its standard "Enhanced DSC" stability control, make the X3 a capable vehicle on and off road.

X5

The BMW X5 (E53) is a mid-size luxury SUV (SAV) sold by BMW since 2000. It features all-wheel drive and a line of straight-6 and V8 engines. For non-US models there is a 3.0 L diesel engine.

The BMW E70 automobile platform replaced the BMW E53 in November 2006. The E70-based X5 SUV features many new technological advancements including BMW's iDrive system as standard equipment and, for the first time in a BMW, an optional third row seat which has increased the seating capacity in the new X5 to 7 passengers.

The E53 model was rated the by IIHS in 2002 to be the safest vehicle that organization had ever tested. Since then, BMW has applied their craft to the current generation E70 to incorporate innovative "firsts" for the SUV/SAV industry, such as Run Flat Tires, complimentary BMW Assist, and a unique rear framing section to protect 3rd row occupants from injury due to an impact.

Z4 A 2-seater roadster and coupé which succeeded the BMW Z3. From 2006 the Z4 Roadster is available as a 3.0i (3.0 L I6 with 215 hp), a 3.0si available with the new generation 3.0 L I6 with , a 2.5si with a 2.5 I6 with or a 2.0i with a 2.0 L I4. The Z4 Coupé is available only in the high-performance 3.0si trim powered by the 3.0 L I6.

BMW Z4#M versions The new Z4 M roadster has been released as a Z4 with an E46 M3 motor (3.2 L, 343 hp) and also features the M braking, suspension, and M characteristics. There is also an M coupe model available.

Image:06-07 BMW Z4.jpg|2006 Z4 RoadsterImage:BMW-Z4 diagonal front at IAA 2005.jpg|2006 Z4 CoupeImage:BMW Z4 M Roadster front.jpg|2007 Z4 M RoadsterImage:BMW M roadster front.jpg|2006 Z4 M Roadster

BMW M BMW M (previously: BMW Motorsport GmbH) is a subsidiary of German car manufacturer BMW AG established in May 1972 with just eight employees. BMW M, also known as M-Technik or just "M" (for Motorsport) was initially created to facilitate BMW’s racing program, which was very successful in the 1960s and 1970s. The first racing project was BMW’s 3.0 CSL; in the late 1970s the first modified street legal road cars were produced for the contracted racecar drivers as their personal vehicles. By 1988, the number of employees had risen to 400.

M3 Based on the BMW 3 Series, the M3 defined an entirely new market for BMW: a race ready production vehicle. Since its debut, the M3 is heralded in enthusiast circles, in large part due to its unique geometry and award winning powerplants. As a testament to how well received this vehicle is, all retired models have quickly made it to "collector" status. model year2008 marks the first time a Formula 1 inspired V8 will be offered., producing 420 hp (313 kW) that can reach in about 4.5 seconds. The newest version (E92) will be available fall of 2007 in Europe, and second quarter of 2008 for the U.S. in Coupe, Cabrio, and Sedan variants

M5 Based on the BMW 5 Series, the M5 is the M division's 500 hp (373 kW) V10-powered version of the E60 5 series which makes in 4.1 seconds, impressive for a 4 door saloon car. The M5 was the first 4-door sedan to be considered a sports car, and is the fastest production sedan ever produced. There is also a modified twin turbo version that can reach in just 3.6 seconds, giving 810 bhp (604 kW) and 733 lp-ft (994 Nm) of torque, with a top speed of 240 mph (386 km/h). However this car is limited to . bhp-bmw-v10-m5-by-currency-motor-cars|title=810 bhp WorldCarFans.com

M6 The M6 is the M division's version of the E63.The M6 shares its drivetrain with the M5. The V10 produces and of torque. This new engine is mated to a seven-speed SMG transmission.

Z4 M BMW’s two-seater is powered by the same prize-winning 3.2-liter straight-six M engine also featured in the BMW M3(E46) and the BMW Z4 Roadster. The engine’s performance figures are: 3,246 cc displacement, maximum output at an engine speed of 7,900 rpm, maximum engine speed of 8,000 rpm. No less than 80 per cent of the engine’s maximum torque of is available at the driver’s request from just 2,000 rpm.Output per liter is , giving the Z4 M Coupe a power-to-weight ratio of just 9.9 lb/bhp. Acceleration to comes in 4.8 seconds and top speed is limited electronically to .

Future

BMW Z10: A supercar to succeed the BMW Z8, to be produced in 2008 (Update: The new BMW supercar may in fact be called the Z9, and not the Z10. Update 2: It may even be called the M10 since by late september 2007 BMW Group has registered "M10" as a brand)
BMW V/F3 : An MPV (Sports Tourer) based on the BMW 3-Series/X3 to compete with Mercedes-Benz B-Class. This vehicle could also possibly be the rumoured X1, or called the F3.
BMW V/F5 : A MPV (Grand Sports Tourer) based on the BMW 5-Series/X5 to compete with Mercedes-Benz R-Class. This vehicle could also possibly be called the F5.
BMW Z2 : A Roadster and Coupe positioned under the Z4 as an entry level sports car, more than likely powered by a 4 cylinder engine. This model may come out in 2009, however it is still an unconfirmed rumour.
BMW F01/F02 7-Series : The F01 and F02 will be the replacement for the 7-Series for either 2008 or 2009. The F02 is the longer wheelbase version. In addition there will be a "Baby Roller" or mini Rolls Royce that will be under 200,000 that will compete with the Bentley Continental and S65 AMG.
BMW X6: A coupe-based SUV. The X6 has been spotted testing. It should come out Mid-2008.
BMW CS Concept: Unrelated to the original; a four-door grand tourer car to be based on the BMW CS Concept, competing against Mercedes-Benz CLS Class.
BMW 1 Series (in America)- BMW has created an affordable 1 Series, which is inspired by the 2002 models. The 128i and 135i, featuring BMW's twin-turbocharged six cylinder engine will be released in America in the Spring of 2008. Later in 2008, the convertible version will be on lots across America.

Prototypes

1990 BMW M8 Prototype A prototype designed as a "Ferrari killer". It was never put into production because of the lack of a market for such a car.
1999 BMW Z9: a concept car designed by Adrian van Hooydonk marked a departure from BMW's traditional conservative style, and has caused some controversy among BMW enthusiasts.
BMW 750hL showcased at Expo 2000 at the BMW World exhibit. As one of the world's first autos to use an engine propelled by liquid hydrogen, the 750hL produces 2 by products: electricity and water. There are as of March 2007, 100 750hL vehicles in the USA for testing purposes. See the BMW website.
2001 BMW xCoupe
BMW CS Concept - BMW has expressed interest in producing the vehicle under the 8 Series name.

Out of production

BMW M1: a 1970s mid-engine sports car, designed in conjunction with Lamborghini. As Lamborghini went into bankruptcy the production was shifted to the German Karmanwerke.
BMW Z3: a 2-seater roadster.

M coupé and roadster: high-performance hard-top and soft-top versions of the Z3, very popular among enthusiasts. The Z3 was first shown on the big screen in the James Bond film GoldenEye, marking the first time Pierce Brosnan played Bond and the first time the MI6 agent's gadget-laden car wasn't British.

BMW 8 Series: a fast, high-technology coupé of the 1990s. Unconfirmed rumors suggest that this may be revived, see BMW CS Concept, to compete against the globally acclaimed Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.
BMW Z1: a late 1980s two-seater with innovative modular construction; only 8,000 were made. Best known for the feature of the vertically sliding doors.
BMW Z8: a roadster with design based on the classic 507 roadster from the 1950s. Debuted in the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, marking the last time Bond would drive a BMW. Only 5000 were built, the last 500 being a special edition built by Alpina but sold directly from BMW. This exciting halo car was built on an aluminium space frame design.

Classics BMW made many cars over the years which have had great impact on the world of motoring.

3.0 CSL
BMW M1
BMW M3
BMW M5
BMW M6 (e24) First production line M car. Supercoupe capable of over
BMW M Roadster
Dixi, 3/20, 303, 309, 315, 319, 320, 321, 325, 326, 327, BMW 328, 329, 335
Isetta, BMW 600, BMW 700
501, 502, 503, BMW 507
3200 CS, 2000 CS
BMW New Six (2500/2800/Bavaria/2.5/2.8/3.0/3.3): Predecessor to today's BMW 7 Series
BMW New Class (1500/1502/1600/1800/1802/2000/2002): Predecessor to the BMW 3 Series

Series Generations Internally, BMW associates an "e-code" for each generation of a series ("E" stands for Entwicklung, German language for development or evolution). These "chassis codes" only change to signify a major redesign of a series, or the introduction of a new series. BMW AG reported in September 2006 that BMW would switch to the letter "F" for their future models, beginning with the BMW F01 BMW 7 Series replacement.

BMW E3 — (1968–1977)

2.5, 2.8, 3.0, 3.3 "New Six" sedans

BMW E9 — (1969–1975) 2800CS, 3.0CS, 3.0CSL "New Six" coupés
BMW E12 — (1974–1981) 5 Series
BMW E21 — (1976–1983) 3 Series
BMW E23 — (1977–1986) 7 Series
BMW E24 — (1976–1989) 6 Series
BMW E26 — (1978–1981) M1
BMW E28 — (1981–1987) 5 Series
BMW E30 — (1984–1991) 3 Series (1982-1983 E30 sold in Europe)
BMW E31 — (1989–1997) 8 Series
BMW E32 — (1986–1994) 7 Series
BMW E34 — (1988–1995) 5 Series
BMW E36 — (1992–1999) 3 Series
BMW E36/5 — (1995–1998) 3 Series Compact (US market known as "318ti")
BMW E36/7 — (1996-2002) Z3 Series Roadster
BMW E36/8 — (1998-2002) Z3 Series Coupé
BMW E38 — (1994–2001) 7 Series
BMW E39 — (1995–2003) 5 Series
BMW E46 — (2000–2004) 3 Series Compact
BMW E46 — (1998–2005) 3 Series Sedan
BMW E46 — (1999–2005) 3 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
BMW E46 — (1999–2006) 3 Series Coupé
BMW E46 — (1999–2006) 3 Series Convertible
BMW E52 — (2000–2003) Z8
BMW E53 — (2000–2006) X5
BMW E60 — (2004–present) 5 Series
BMW E60 — (2004–2007) 5 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
BMW E63/E64 — (2004–present) 6 Series coupé
BMW E63/E64 — (2004–present) 6 Series convertible
BMW E65/E66 — (2002–2007) 7 Series short wheelbase
BMW E65/E66 — (2002–2007) 7 Series long wheelbase
BMW E65/E66 — (2002–2007) 7 Series Protection
BMW E70 — (2007-present) X5
BMW E71 — (2008) X6
BMW E71 — (2008) X6 Hybrid
BMW E81 — (2007-present) 1 Series (3-door)
BMW E82 — (2007-present) 1 Series Coupé
BMW E82/2 — (2010) Z2
BMW E83 — (2004–present) X3
BMW E85 — (2003–present) Z4
BMW E86 — (2006–present) Z4 Coupé
BMW E87 — (2004–present) 1 Series (5-door)
BMW E88 — (2008) 1 Series Convertible
BMW E89 — (2009) Z4 roadster
BMW E90 — (2005–present) 3 Series
BMW E91 — (2005–present) 3 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
BMW E92 — (2006–present) 3 Series Coupé
BMW E93 — (2007–present) 3 Series Convertible
BMW E99 — (2009) V5 Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS)
BMW F01 — (2008) 7 Series
BMW F02 — (2009) 7 Series long wheelbase
BMW F03 — (2008) 7 Series Protection
BMW F04 — (2009) 8 Series Light Base
BMW F10 — (2010) 5 Series
BMW F11 — (2012) 5 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
BMW F12 — (2011) 6 Series Coupé
BMW F13 — (2011) 6 Series Convertible
BMW F25 — (2011) X3

Clubs The BMW Car Club of America is an organization of BMW enthusiasts with chapters throughout the United States. The club runs a myriad of events, generally open to the public, to enjoy BMW vehicles in all their forms.

Motorsport F1 Team Logo. as a fully-fledged team in .BMW has been engaged in motorsport activities since the dawn of the first BMW motorcycle. BMW has competed and won many of the most coveted and prestigious races and motoring events.

Sponsoring

Formula BMW - A Junior racing Formula racing category.
Kumho BMW Championship - A BMW-exclusive championship run in the United Kingdom.

Formula car

Formula One - BMW won the 19 grand prixs as an engine builder and did not win as a team/constructor until 2006

BMW Sauber - current BMW works Formula One team
WilliamsF1 - former Formula One partner, and designer of BMW's Le Mans winning sports car
Brabham - Former Formula One partner, winning the Drivers Championship in 1983
Arrows, used BMW engines from 1984 to 1986

Sports car

Le Mans 24 Hours - BMW won Le Mans in 1999 with the BMW V12 LMR designed by Williams Grand Prix Engineering. Also the Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing team won the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans in a McLaren F1 GTR race car.
Nürburgring - BMW won the 24 Hours Nürburgring 18 times and the 1000km Nürburgring 2 times (1976 and 1981).
24 Hours of Daytona - BMW won 1 time (1976)
Spa 24 Hours - BMW won 21 times
McLaren F1 - Successful mid-1990s GT racing car with a BMW designed engine. It won BPR Global GT Series in 1995 and 1996 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Touring car BMW has a long and very successful history in this category, touring car racing.

European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) - Since 1968, BMW won 24 drivers' championships along with several manufacturers' and teams' titles.
World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) - BMW won all drivers' championship at present and two manufacturers' titles (1987 World Touring Car Championship season, 2005 World Touring Car Championship season and 2006 World Touring Car Championship season).
DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft) won the drivers' championshiops:

1988: Roberto Ravaglia, BMW M3
1987: Winfried Vogt, BMW M3
1983: Dieter Quester, BMW 635 CSI
1982: Umberto Grano, Helmut Kelleners, BMW 528i
1981: Umberto Grano, Helmut Kelleners, BMW 635 CSI
1980: Siegfried Müller Jr., Helmut Kelleners, BMW 320i
1979: Carlo Facetti, Martino Finotto, BMW 3.0 CSL
1978: Umberto Grano, BMW 3.0 CSL
1977: Dieter Quester, BMW 3.0 CSL
1976: Pierre Dieudonné, Jean Xhenceval, BMW 3.0 CSL
1975: Siegfried Müller, Alain Peltier, BMW 3.0 CSL

British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) - BMW won the drivers' championship in 1988, 1991, 1992 and 1993 and manufacturers' championship in 1991 and 1993.
Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC) - BMW (Schnitzer Motorsport) flied from Europe to Japan, competed in the years and won the championship in 1995
Mille Miglia - BMW won Mille Miglia in 1940 in with a BMW 328 Touring Coupé. Previously in 1938 the 328 sport car also obtained a class victory.

Rally

RAC Rally - The BMW 328 won this event in 1939.
Paris Dakar Rally - BMW motorcycles have won this event 6 times.

Culture The term "beemer" started as an acronym for the abbreviation "BMW," adapted from the early-20th century British pronunciation of Birmingham Small Arms Company (as "beeser" or "beezer"), whose motorcycles were often racing BMWs. Over time, the term became closely associated with BMW motorcycles.

In the United States, the term "bimmer" was later coined to refer (exclusively) to BMW automobiles. As such, use of the word "beemer" to refer to a BMW automobile is frowned upon by some BMW enthusiasts, because it is the term used for motorcycles. Although the distinction is completely arbitrary, to this day, the media, movies, and most people still use the term "beemer" to refer to the automobiles.

The initials BMW are pronounced "bay emm vay" in German. The model series are referred to as "Dreier" ("Three-er" for 3 series), "Fünfer" ("Five-er" for the 5 series), "Sechser" ("Six-er" for the 6 series), "Siebener" ("Seven-er" for the 7 series).

Nomenclature BMWs follow a certain nomenclature in the naming many of their vehicles; a 3 digit number is followed by 1 or 2 letters. The first number is the series number. The next two numbers is traditionally the engine displacement in liters multiplied by 10.

The system of letters is as follows:

d = diesel
i = fuel-injected
x = all wheel drive xDrive
L = long wheel base
C = coupe
T = touring (wagon/estate)
t = hatchback
g = biogas
s = sport package

For example, a BMW 760Li is a fuel-injected 7 Series with a long wheel base and 6.0 litres of displacement.

However, there are exceptions. The 2007 BMW 328i is a 3 Series that has a 3.0 liter engine. The 2007 BMW 335i has that same 3.0 liter engine, however it is twin-turbocharged and not identified in the nomenclature.

The 'M' - for Motorsport - Series has a very simple nomenclature: M3, M5, M6, etc. It identifies the high-performance 'M' version of a particular series. For example, the M6 is the highest performing vehicle in the 6 Series lineup. Although 'M' cars should be separated into their respective series platforms, it is very common to see 'M' cars grouped together as its own series.

The 'Z' identifies a BMW two seater roadster. For example the Z1, Z3 and Z4. M varients of Z models have the M as a suffix, depending on country of sale. (e.g. 'Z4 M')

When the 'X' supersedes the series number (e.g. X3 and X5), this nomenclature refers to the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) lineup.

Also, Station-wagons/Estates are traditionally given the "Touring" or "Sport Wagon" tagline, depending on country of sale.

Community BMW has always had a very tight and loyal community following. In the summer of 2001, BMW even went as far as starting the BMW Films website, showcasing some sporty models being driven to extremes. These videos are very popular within the enthusiast community and have opened the eyes of many owners looking for a sporty/fun car. However, even with all this success, on October 21st, 2005, the BMW Films were taken offline.

Every year since 1999, BMW enthusiasts have met up in Santa Barbara, CA to attend Bimmerfest. Perhaps one of the largest brand-specific gatherings in the U.S. Over 3000 people attended in 2006, and there were over 1000 cars present. In 2007, the event was held on May 5.

Related companies

Automobilwerk Eisenach
Isetta
Glas
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited
Rover (car): briefly owned by BMW, which retained the Mini after selling off the rest of the company (see MG Rover Group).
Land Rover: sold to Ford Motor Company; the current Range Rover was developed mostly by BMW during their ownership of the company and until recently was powered by their 4.4 L V8 petrol (gasoline) engine and continues to use the BMW 3.0 L I6 diesel engine
MINI (BMW): a small hatchback; inspired by the original Mini, which was the British competitor to the Volkswagen Beetle.
Wiesmann: A company making sporty 2-seater roadsters and coupés for which BMW supplies the engine and transmission components.
DesignworksUSA: Design studio founded in 1972 by Charles W. Pelly, and owned by BMW AG since May 1995. DesignworksUSA has worked on various designs for BMW and other companies, not just automobile. One of the latest designs is computer keyboard and mouse, which were sold by BenQ as x700 Pro keyboard, x730 Pro wireless keyborard and mouse combo, M306 wireless mouse.
Bavaria Wirtschaftsagentur GmbH: BMW Group subsidiary that offers insurance services.
Softlab: IT consulting and systems integration.
AC Schnitzer: A tuning company specialising in BMW vehicles.
Alpina: A Motor Manufacturer in its own right, who creates vehicles based on BMW cars.
Breyton: A tuning manufacturer specialising in BMW cars.
G-Power: A tuning company specialising in BMW vehicles.
Hartge: A tuning company specialising in BMW, MINI and Range Rover cars.
Hamann Motorsport: A Motor Styling and Tuning Specialist who creates vehicles based on BMW cars.
MK-Motorsport: A tuning company specialising in BMW cars.